IngredientsThe term "geranium" as applied to dietary supplements and herbal medicine encompasses plants from two related but botanically distinct genera — Geranium and Pelargonium — both belonging to the family Geraniaceae. There is considerable confusion as to which plant is meant when "geranium" is used, because not only are there a number of plant species referred to by that name, but there are two different genera — Geranium and Pelargonium — that both appear in natural products. Understanding this distinction is foundational to any rigorous discussion of the supplement.
The predominant species of medicinal and commercial relevance in this category is Pelargonium sidoides DC. It is a perennial plant of the Geraniaceae family commonly found in South Africa and Lesotho highlands, and is commonly named African geranium. It is a plant native to South Africa, Eswatini, and Lesotho, with common names including African geranium and South African geranium.
African geranium forms a basal rosette of cordate leaves with a velvet texture and a few short trichomes on long petioles. Its flowers have five dark red to nearly black petals, two of which are sometimes fused. It is often found in flower nearly year-round, and prefers to grow in grasslands with rocky soils.
Another closely related species, Pelargonium reniforme, also from southern Africa, has historically been used alongside or in place of P. sidoides, and the two are sometimes confused botanically. It can be difficult to distinguish P. sidoides from Pelargonium reniforme, which grows in a similar area, but tends to have more kidney-shaped leaves.
Pelargonium sidoides is sometimes called geranium, but it should not be confused with rose geranium oil or spotted geranium, which are not the same plants.
The Geranium genus consists of about 400 species, which have been utilized for a long time in ancient medical practices throughout the world. Among these, several are of particular medicinal interest:
The genus and family name Geraniaceae are derived from the Greek word geranos (crane), in reference to the elongate fruiting styles common throughout the family. English common names like "cranesbill" and "storksbill" for relatives of wild geranium similarly refer to their elongate fruiting-stage styles.
The medicinal preparations of geranium plants span a wide range of forms depending on the species and tradition:
P. sidoides is sold under numerous commercial names, the most widely recognized being Umckaloabo, which is the registered product name for EPs 7630. P. sidoides is often marketed as EPs 7630 or Umckaloabo, meaning "heavy cough" in Zulu tribal language.
Available ethnobotanical information shows that several tuberous Pelargonium species (including Pelargonium sidoides) are important traditional medicines with a rich ethnobotanical history.
Pelargonium sidoides was used for centuries by indigenous inhabitants of Africa as a remedy for all kinds of conditions such as diarrhea, gastritis, common cold, upper respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and tuberculosis.
The use of Pelargonium stems or tubers for a variety of ailments (including the complications of dysentery) is an important but hitherto under-estimated part of traditional medicine in southern Africa.
Pelargonium sidoides was first marketed in Britain by Charles Henry Stevens under the name Umckaloabo or "Stevens' Cure" in 1897 as a treatment for tuberculosis. A summary of the interesting history of the commercial development of Stevens' Cure or Umckaloabo in Europe has been documented in the scientific literature.
P. sidoides has been marketed under the brand name Umckaloabo and has been widely used in Europe since the 1980s.
Since ancient times, the species of Geranium have been utilized in numerous conventional health systems across the globe, such as Indian Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and various indigenous medical practices, by means of herbal formulations.
Geranium species are used for their diuretic, antihemorrhoidal, antidiarrheal, analgesic, and antipyretic effects, as well as for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and gastrointestinal system disorders.
Geranium maculatum, also known as spotted geranium or cranesbill, is a perennial herb native to eastern North America. Indigenous peoples used the plant's roots for their astringent properties, treating conditions such as diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and mouth sores. Early settlers adopted these uses, and wild geranium became a staple in traditional herbal medicine.
The United States Dispensatory of 1926 noted that "Geranium is one of our best indigenous astringents." The major constituents of Geranium maculatum include tannin, gallic acid (after drying, from breakdown of the tannin), pectin, calcium oxide, gum, and resin.
The root's high tannin content — sometimes reaching 20–25% of the dry weight — made it one of the most powerful astringent medicines available in North America.
The Meskwaki brewed a root tea for toothache and for painful nerves, and mashed the roots for treating hemorrhoids.
For Geranium bellum, a perennial plant distributed in the mountains of Hidalgo, Mexico, it is widely used in Mexican traditional medicine to treat fever, pain, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Traditional uses of geranium-leaf and oil preparations — including for skin care and neuropathic conditions — have not been scientifically validated.
The root of South African geranium (Pelargonium sidoides) is the applicable part of the plant, and contains active constituents including coumarins, hydrolysable tannins (such as catechin, gallocatechin, gallic acid, and other polyphenols), and proanthocyanidins.
EPs 7630 is composed of carbohydrates, minerals, peptides, purine derivatives, highly substituted benzopyranones, and oligo- and polymeric prodelphinidins.
The coumarins of P. sidoides have been characterized in detail:
Rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) oil contains citronellol, citronellyl acetate, citronellyl formate, and geraniol. These terpenoid compounds are responsible for the characteristic scent and are the basis of rose geranium oil's widespread use in aromatherapy and cosmetics.
The genus Geranium is known to contain flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanidins, lignans, sterols, polyphenolic compounds, and essential oils.
The ellagitannin geraniin, which received its name after crystallizing from Geranium thunbergii, is the Geranium genus's most unique single compound. This secondary metabolite is found in all types of leaves in the Geranium species. Since HPLC has found geraniin in each of the 15 species examined, it would appear that geraniin is the distinctive hydrolysable tannin of the genus Geranium. Geraniin and its related molecule ellagic acid co-occur in Geranium plant leaves.
For Geranium maculatum, the root contains notable amounts of tannins, gallic acid, gum, pectin, and starch — compounds responsible for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and toning actions.
For Geranium robertianum (Herb Robert), phytochemical studies indicate the presence of phenolic compounds such as tannins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. Ellagitannins are the most frequently isolated tannins, with geraniin being the main one. The presence of proanthocyanidins has also been reported. Phenolic acids are represented chiefly by gallic, ellagic, ferulic, caffeic, and chlorogenic acids. Flavonoids are abundant in this plant, including quercetin and kaempferol, as aglycones or in glycosidic combinations. Non-phenolic compounds have also been described, such as lectins, saponins, and alkaloids.
Geranium (Pelargonium species) leaves have been claimed to contain small amounts of dimethylamylamine, which is a sympathomimetic stimulant. However, some supplement companies have claimed that dimethylamylamine is a natural compound found in geranium oil, but this has not been verified by laboratory analysis. In fact, laboratory analyses have not been able to detect dimethylamylamine in geranium oil.
The immunomodulatory activity of Pelargonium is attributed to the coumarins. Effects are related to the phytocomposition, mainly coumarins and proanthocyanidins. Immunomodulation occurs through cytokine production and increased phagocytosis.
The root extracts of Pelargonium sidoides and their constituents have antibacterial and immunomodulation properties that help fight infections, especially in the respiratory tract. The antimicrobial effect is based on direct microbicidal action and antiadhesive properties — meaning the extract can prevent pathogenic bacteria from adhering to host cell surfaces.
The extracts of both Pelargonium species have modest direct antibacterial activity, with isolated coumarins and phenolics having minimum inhibitory concentration values from 200 to 1,000 mcg/mL in agar dilution assays versus common test bacteria.
Umckalin inhibits the production of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and nitric oxide, while regulating MAPK signaling pathways, thereby suppressing the expression of iNOS and COX-2. Umckalin is a coumarin derivative abundantly present in the root extract of P. sidoides, known for its antimicrobial, antiviral, antitubercular, and immunomodulatory properties. Its therapeutic potential has been extensively studied, particularly in the context of respiratory diseases.
In the true Geranium genus, compounds such as quercetin, kaempferol, geraniin, and proanthocyanidins are associated with strong antioxidant properties, promoting free radical scavenging and cellular protection. Essential oils and extracts from species like G. robertianum and G. wallichianum exhibit significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and various fungi, including resistant strains, through secondary metabolites that disrupt membranes, inhibit microbial enzymes, and modulate oxidative stress.
Several species belonging to the Geranium genus were found to exert antiviral potential, inhibiting not only herpesviruses but also the influenza virus and hepatitis B virus (HBV).
Regarding P. sidoides and SARS-CoV-2, Pelargonium sidoides exhibited a significant reduction of SARS-CoV-2-induced cytopathic effect in Vero E6 cells (IC₅₀ 13.79 μg/mL and selectivity index 6.3), whereas scopoletin showed a remarkable anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity with better selectivity (IC₅₀ 17.79 μg/mL and selectivity index 14.22). These findings, however, are in vitro only and have not yet been replicated in clinical trials.
Acute bronchitis is the most extensively studied indication for P. sidoides extract EPs 7630, and the area with the strongest evidence base.
All randomized controlled trials reviewed in a systematic review and meta-analysis reported findings suggesting the effectiveness of P. sidoides in treating acute bronchitis. Meta-analysis of the four placebo-controlled RCTs suggested that EPs 7630 significantly reduced bronchitis symptom scores in patients with acute bronchitis by day 7. No serious adverse events were reported. The conclusion reached was that there is encouraging evidence from currently available data that P. sidoides is effective compared to placebo for patients with acute bronchitis.
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 124 adults with acute bronchitis treated with South African geranium or placebo for seven days, results showed a statistically significant reduction in bronchitis symptoms with South African geranium over placebo.
The primary outcome criterion was the change of the Bronchitis Severity Score (BSS) on day 7. The decrease in BSS from baseline to day 7 was 5.9 ± 2.9 points under EPs 7630 (n=233) and 3.2 ± 4.1 points under placebo (n=235).
A meta-analysis specifically examining cough included data from multiple trials: efficacy analyses included change from baseline in a cough intensity score, remission of cough, and disease-associated impairments of quality of life. Data of 2,195 participants from 11 trials (3 in children/adolescents with AB, 3 in adults with AB, 5 in adults with common cold) were eligible.
Based on the available data, the European Respiratory Society has acknowledged P. sidoides root extract as a natural remedy available for the treatment of the symptoms of acute bronchitis.
A 2013 Cochrane systematic review (Timmer et al., Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013;10:CD006323) is the primary systematic evidence synthesis in this area; a meta-analysis of 8 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, manufacturer-funded trials (N=746) of low to very low quality revealed effectiveness of P. sidoides (EPs 7630) alcoholic extract for relieving acute bronchitis symptoms in adults and children, and possibly sinusitis in adults as well. The Cochrane reviewers graded the quality of this evidence as low to very low, representing a significant limitation.
The efficacy of P. sidoides preparation EPs 7630 in the common cold was assessed by performing meta-analyses of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Five trials with a total of 833 patients were included. All trials had a treatment period of ten days with visits at days 3, 5, and 10 after baseline and used a ten-symptom Cold Intensity Score as the primary outcome. Significant differences favoring EPs 7630 were observed for total CIS reduction (day 5: MD = −2.30; 95% CI = −4.12, −0.49; day 10: MD = −1.16; 95% CI = −2.22, −0.10), proportion of patients with substantial improvement (day 5: RR = 1.73; day 10: RR = 1.06), and complete remission (day 5: RR = 2.52; day 10: RR = 2.13). Subjects treated with EPs 7630 also missed fewer days at work, used less paracetamol, and had improved sleep quality.
In a multicenter phase 3 RCT with 105 adults: On day 5, the mean SSID was significantly higher in the EPs 7630 group compared with the placebo group (12.5 ± 4.4 points versus 8.8 ± 6.8 points). Moreover, 55% of patients in the EPs 7630 group rated the treatment outcome as at least "major improvement," compared with 15% of patients in the placebo group. On day 10, 45% of patients in the EPs 7630 group and 12% of patients in the placebo group had reached 0 points on the CIS (clinical cure), whereas all or all but one symptom had completely resolved in 74% (EPs 7630) and 25% (placebo) of patients.
Very weak evidence supported effectiveness for symptom relief of acute rhinosinusitis and the common cold in adults.
Eight RCTs investigating the application of EPs 7630 in acute bronchitis, acute tonsillopharyngitis, and acute RTI in the context of chronic preconditions were identified; results showed a statistically significant improvement of aRTI symptom severity for EPs 7630 compared to controls.
The investigation of EPs 7630 in asthmatic children and adolescents with aRTI demonstrated a significant symptom-alleviating effect and a possibly associated reduction of asthma attacks.
Between 1994 and 2009, approximately 304 million daily doses of EPs 7630 (4.5 mL of solution or 3 tablets) were sold.
A number of additional studies have provided clinical evidence of the efficacy of EPs 7630 against further respiratory infections including common cold, acute tonsillopharyngitis, and acute rhinosinusitis. Evidence for rhinosinusitis specifically is weaker and based on fewer trials than the bronchitis data.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (Matthys et al., Respir Med. 2013;107(5):691–701) investigated EPs 7630 in adults with COPD as add-on therapy. The trial was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. The body of evidence for COPD remains limited and requires further investigation beyond this single trial.
In animal models, the true geranium genus has shown pharmacological activity. Preclinical research on Geranium bellum assessed its antinociceptive effects using experimental pain models, and phytochemical studies of the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of aerial parts led to the isolation of several bioactive compounds including quercetin, methyl gallate, gallic acid, geraniin, corilagin, and kaempferol. These remain preclinical findings without supporting human clinical trials.
The phytochemical analysis of G. robertianum revealed the presence of organic and phenolic acids, hydrolysable tannins (gallo- and ellagitannins), and flavonoids. Significant anticancer activity was found for G. robertianum hexane extract and ethyl acetate extract, with a selectivity index between 2.02 and 4.39. These findings are preliminary, derived from in vitro laboratory studies, and have not been investigated in human clinical trials.
Applied topically, geranium essential oil may have antibacterial and antifungal activity and has been used for neuropathic pain. None of these topical claims have been scientifically validated in rigorous controlled human trials.
Native Americans used wild geranium to treat a variety of disorders, and commercial preparations of the plant (usually derived from roots and/or rhizomes) are available today as herbal or alternative medicines. Medicinal qualities can be attributed to the presence of gallic acid and tannins, which provide astringent and bacteriostatic effects.
The following dosages derive from clinical study reports and should be understood in that context:
Pelargonium does appear to be a well-tolerated medicine but does have recognized adverse events associated with its therapeutic use, most notably of the gastrointestinal system.
No serious adverse events were reported in clinical trials, while non-serious adverse events were infrequent (0.3 to 2.0% over seven days of treatment) and mostly mild and transient.
Adverse events were slightly higher with treatment versus placebo and none were serious, including gastrointestinal effects and allergic skin reactions such as urticaria.
Both standard and high-dose EPs 7630 were well tolerated, with transient mild epistaxis and mild epigastric discomfort possibly related to treatment; no serious adverse events were reported in the high-dose study.
A pharmacovigilance signal regarding potential liver injury has been examined closely. Spontaneous reports of herb-induced liver injury represent a major regulatory issue. In a total of 13 spontaneous cases, liver disease was initially attributed to the use of Pelargonium sidoides.
The initial judgment of hepatotoxicity being caused by Pelargonium sidoides may have been due to confounding variables such as comedication with synthetic drugs, comorbidities, and lack of appropriate consideration of a differential diagnosis.
Investigators concluded that there is currently no evidence of hepatotoxicity related to the use of Pelargonium. Currently the warning of hepatitis when taking Pelargonium remains on the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) and information leaflet of the licensed products.
The public access site of the WHO, VigiAccess, of the global database of adverse drug reactions VigiBase, lists over 1,300 reports associated with Pelargonium sidoides.
Because one well-known coumarin derivative, warfarin, is used as an anticoagulant, there is an erroneous assumption that all coumarins have this property. This distinction is important for patient counseling, as the specific coumarins in P. sidoides (such as umckalin and scopoletin) are structurally distinct from anticoagulant coumarins and are not established anticoagulants. However, the potential for interactions with anticoagulant medications has not been thoroughly ruled out in clinical pharmacokinetic studies.
Due to the high amount of tannins in wild geranium (G. maculatum), use is recommended for short-term internal use only.
Use should be avoided in cases of hypersensitivity to any of the components in EPs 7630 or Pelargonium species.
Safety during pregnancy has not been established in clinical studies. Traditionally, some Native American tribes used the plant as a contraceptive; use during pregnancy or when intending to conceive is therefore a recognized traditional concern.
Topical application of fresh geranium leaves has been used for cracked or painful nipples during breastfeeding, and geranium essential oil mixed into calendula cream has been advocated for the same purpose. None of these claims have been scientifically validated.
Health conditions that Geranium may help support.
Geranium EO has demonstrated antibacterial activity against acne-related pathogens and is recognized for balancing sebum production. In vitro studies confirm its action against Staphylococcus aureus and other skin bacteria. It is widely used in clinical aromatherapy for oily and acne-prone skin.
Geranium EO and leaf extracts demonstrate high radical-scavenging activity against DPPH, ABTS, and OH radicals in multiple validated assays. The antioxidant activity is attributed to flavonoids, ellagitannins, phenolic acids, and terpenoids. These effects have been validated in both P. graveolens and G. robertianum.
Multiple randomized controlled trials support geranium essential oil aromatherapy for reducing anxiety. Studies in laboring women, surgical patients, and myocardial infarction patients consistently show significant reductions in anxiety scores. Geranium is thought to act via the limbic system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
In vitro laboratory testing shows that geranium EO significantly inhibits Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, the fungi responsible for athlete's foot. This antifungal activity is attributed to geraniol and citronellol content. Human clinical trial evidence is not available.
Geranium EO has demonstrated significant hypoglycemic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic rat models, outperforming the reference drug glibenclamide at 150 mg/kg. In vitro studies confirm α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition. Human clinical evidence is not yet available.
Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) has strong clinical trial and Cochrane review evidence for acute bronchitis in adults and children. The EMA has approved P. sidoides for respiratory tract infections including bronchitis. This is one of the best-evidenced herbal remedies for this condition.
Geranium essential oil aromatherapy demonstrably reduces subjective stress, tension, and fatigue in clinical populations. A double-blind RCT in ICU nurses found significant fatigue reduction immediately and 60 minutes post-inhalation. Its calming, balancing, and sedative properties are supported by multiple human trials.
Multiple in vitro studies demonstrate complete inhibition of Candida albicans by geranium EO. Studies also confirm activity against C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, and C. krusei. The antifungal mechanism involves disruption of yeast cell membranes by terpenoids.
Geranium EO and its constituent geraniol exhibit anti-inflammatory activity via COX-2 and iNOS inhibition in multiple in vitro and animal models. The anti-inflammatory mechanisms are well characterized. Human clinical evidence exists indirectly through pain and anxiety trials.
Geranium EO aromatherapy has been evaluated in a clinical trial for pain reduction in lumbar spinal stenosis patients with moderate-to-severe pain. Post-herpetic neuralgia is also a documented indication. The oil reduces pain perception via CNS and anti-inflammatory pathways.
Pelargonium sidoides (African geranium) has extensive clinical evidence including a Cochrane review for acute respiratory infections including cold and flu symptoms. Ethnobotanical evidence also links P. graveolens to cold and flu treatment, including ACE2 inhibition research.
Geranium EO has in vitro demonstrated antifungal activity against Malassezia, the primary fungal cause of dandruff. This provides a mechanistic basis for its traditional use in dandruff-prone scalp conditions. Human clinical trials for this specific indication have not been conducted.
Geranium aromatherapy has been used in clinical settings to reduce depressive symptoms, particularly in postmenopausal women. A study found that aromatherapy massage with geranium reduced depression severity in this population. Evidence is primarily from small RCTs and is considered preliminary.
A 2017 clinical study found that geranium EO inhalation elevated salivary estrogen levels in women. The oil is classified as phytoestrogenic in traditional Chinese medicine and is used clinically for hormonal regulation. The evidence is preliminary but human-clinical.
Multiple in vitro studies confirm that geranium EO has significant antifungal activity against Candida species, dermatophytes causing athlete's foot, and Malassezia causing skin disease. Laboratory evidence is strong. Human clinical trials for topical antifungal use have not been conducted.
Geranium aromatherapy has been used clinically to reduce depression in postmenopausal women and to modulate salivary estrogen levels. It is classified as phyto-estrogenic in some traditional systems and is used for hot flushes, mood swings, and hormonal balance during menopause.
A clinical trial of geranium aromatherapy massage demonstrated significant reduction in PMS symptoms. Geranium is proposed to stimulate the adrenal cortex and support hormonal balance. It has documented use for PMS-related emotional and physical symptoms in both clinical and traditional settings.
Pelargonium sidoides EPs 7630 has clinical evidence and EMA-recognized status for sinusitis treatment. A Cochrane review noted possible efficacy for acute rhinosinusitis. A 2025 PMC review specifically examined immunomodulatory effects of P. sidoides for acute rhinosinusitis.
A 2025 pilot study evaluated a 1% geranium EO facial serum for skin aging parameters, with results suggesting improved hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle appearance. Geranium is traditionally used in mature skin care for its skin-tightening astringent action.
Clinical trials demonstrate that geranium EO inhalation reduces perceived stress in healthcare workers and patients under physiological stress. The oil modulates HPA-axis activity and lowers cortisol-related stress markers. It is among the most studied aromatherapy agents for stress reduction.
Pelargonium sidoides has robust clinical evidence for upper respiratory tract infections including cold, bronchitis, and sinusitis, backed by a Cochrane review and EMA regulatory approval. P. graveolens shows ethnobotanical and in vitro evidence for respiratory use including viral ACE2 inhibition.
Pelargonium sidoides has demonstrated antiviral immune-modulating effects in clinical and in vitro research. P. graveolens geraniol has shown ACE2 inhibitory activity relevant to respiratory viruses. Both species stimulate innate immune antiviral mechanisms.
Geranium essential oil possesses well-documented in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial, antiseptic, and hemostatic properties supporting wound healing. Its use in wound care is supported by preclinical evidence and long ethnobotanical tradition. Clinical human wound-healing trials are limited but positive.
Geranium is used traditionally as an antiseptic and antibacterial agent for skin infections including abscesses and boils. The Herbal Reality monograph specifically cites abscesses as a topical indication. In vitro antimicrobial data support this use.
Geranium EO is used as a natural deodorant ingredient, with antimicrobial activity against odor-causing bacteria and a pleasant floral fragrance. Herbal medicine sources document its use as an insect repellent and deodorant. No clinical deodorant efficacy trials have been conducted.
Traditional herbal medicine documents geranium EO as a topical remedy for burns and scalds, based on its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Multiple traditional sources list this indication. No clinical burn-treatment RCT has been conducted.
Geranium EO is used in traditional and aesthetic herbalism for cellulite, attributed to its lymphatic-stimulating and diuretic properties that reduce fluid and toxin accumulation. Multiple traditional herbal sources list this application. No clinical evidence is available.
Geranium EO is described in multiple traditional and herbal sources as a circulatory stimulant that increases blood flow and relieves congestion. A clinical trial context review notes its use for blood congestion relief and circulation improvement. No RCT directly evaluates this effect.
Geranium EO has documented traditional use for dermatitis and contact skin inflammation. Animal model evidence demonstrates attenuation of contact dermatitis. Human clinical evidence is limited, and the use is primarily rooted in traditional practice backed by in vitro and animal data.
Geranium has documented traditional use for diarrhea and dysentery across multiple herbal traditions including African, European, and South African systems. The astringent tannin content provides a plausible mechanism. No clinical trials have been identified.
Geranium EO is traditionally used in skin-care preparations for its moisturizing and sebum-balancing properties. It is recognized in herbal medicine for improving dry and mature skin conditions. No clinical trial evidence is available for this specific indication.
Geranium EO is a traditional remedy for eczema (atopic dermatitis), with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties providing a plausible mechanism. In vitro and animal model evidence supports anti-inflammatory activity relevant to eczema, but human RCT evidence is lacking.
Geranium has documented traditional use for fever management in African, Indian, and other herbal medicine systems. It is listed in ethnobotanical records for use in fevers, colds, and tuberculosis. No clinical trial evidence is available.
Geranium EO is used in traditional aromatherapy for scalp and hair health, based on its circulation-stimulating and sebum-balancing properties. Dandruff and scalp conditions are addressed through its antifungal and antimicrobial actions. No clinical hair-growth trials have been conducted.
Geranium is listed in multiple traditional and clinical aromatherapy sources as a remedy for stress-related headaches. The use is based on its well-documented calming, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. No human RCT has specifically evaluated geranium for headache.
Geranium has longstanding traditional use as a hemostatic and astringent agent for heavy menstrual flow. This use is documented across multiple traditional medicine systems including African, European, and Asian herbalism. No clinical trials have been conducted.
Geranium has a documented traditional use for hemorrhoids (piles) across multiple herbal medicine traditions. Its hemostatic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties provide mechanistic support. No human clinical trials for this indication have been identified.
Geranium has been used traditionally as a sedative and nervine relaxant to promote sleep. A RCT in ICU nurses testing P. graveolens for sleep quality found no statistically significant effect on sleep scores, though fatigue was reduced. The sleep-promoting use remains primarily traditional.
Geranium EO is traditionally used in massage to stimulate lymphatic circulation and drainage. It is recognized in herbal and aromatherapy texts for lymphatic-stimulating properties. This use has no dedicated clinical trial evidence.
Geranium EO is documented in herbal medicine texts as a topical remedy for mastitis (breast inflammation/infection), used on engorged breasts. The antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties are the proposed mechanism. No clinical trial evidence is available.
Geranium has a documented traditional use as an antispasmodic for menstrual cramps. It is listed in multiple ethnobotanical reviews as used for menstrual problems including pain and spasm. No dedicated human RCTs specifically for dysmenorrhea have been identified.
Traditional African and multi-cultural herbal medicine systems document geranium use for nausea and vomiting. The plant is listed as 'stomachic' and antispasmodic in traditional pharmacopoeias. No clinical trial evidence is available.
Geranium EO is used traditionally in skin-care preparations for psoriasis, based on its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative properties. No human clinical trial for psoriasis specifically has been conducted with geranium.
Geranium is used in traditional herbal medicine for inflammatory skin rashes and irritations. Its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and astringent properties are the basis. No clinical trial for urticaria or rash treatment with geranium has been identified.
Geranium EO is used traditionally to reduce scar formation and promote skin regeneration through its cell-renewal and astringent properties. It is documented in herbal medicine for its use in wound recovery and scar management.
Geranium EO is used in aromatherapy for mood elevation and emotional balance, including seasonal affective states. Its uplifting, antidepressant, and stress-reducing properties are recognized in herbal medicine. Evidence is extrapolated from RCTs on anxiety and depression rather than from seasonal mood-specific trials.
Geranium is traditionally used to improve skin firmness and tone via its astringent action on connective tissue. It is used in mature skin-care formulations for its skin-tightening properties. Direct human clinical evidence for collagen synthesis augmentation is not established.
Geranium leaf infusion used as a gargle for sore throat is documented in traditional herbal medicine. The antimicrobial and astringent properties of geranium support this use. No clinical trial evidence exists.
Geranium (particularly G. robertianum) has documented traditional use for gastric ulcers, with animal model evidence supporting antiulcer activity via acid suppression, pepsin inhibition, and mucus enhancement. Human clinical evidence is absent.
Geranium is documented as a diuretic and antimicrobial agent with traditional use for urinary tract infections and kidney-related conditions. Herbal sources list UTI support as a recognized indication. No clinical trial has been conducted.
Geranium has documented traditional use as a diuretic and antimicrobial agent for urinary tract infections. In vitro antimicrobial activity against E. coli supports this use. No human clinical UTI trial has been conducted.
Geranium has traditional use for varicose veins and phlebitis, attributed to its hemostatic, circulatory-stimulating, and astringent properties. Multiple herbal sources list this indication. No clinical trials have been conducted.
Geranium is traditionally used as a diuretic and lymphatic stimulant to address water retention and fluid balance. Multiple traditional herbal sources confirm this use. No human clinical diuretic trials have been conducted.
Body systems that Geranium may help support.
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